Idaho Association For The Education Of Young Children

The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) serves as the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which is the largest organization focused on early childhood education in the United States. Within Idaho, there are five local chapters: North Idaho AEYC, Eastern Idaho AEYC, Snake River AEYC, Treasure Valley AEYC, and Palouse Area AEYC. Our aim is to inspire and guide individuals who impact the lives of Idaho's children, promoting the belief that every child in Idaho deserves a fulfilling childhood that fosters their full potential. We strive to enhance the quality of life for young children and their families through three main objectives: (1) advancing professional practices in early care and education, (2) increasing public awareness and support, and (3) fostering a robust, diverse, and inclusive organization. Idaho AEYC oversees several projects, including the IdahoSTARS Professional Development System, which encompasses a Registry, Career Pathway, Incentives and Scholarships, Mentor/Coaches, the Reaching the STARS Quality Rating System, Trainer and Training Approval, and seven Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Offices. We also provide scholarships aimed at elevating the educational qualifications of individuals working in child care settings, making education more affordable, boosting wages, and reducing staff turnover. These scholarships support various educational pursuits, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Early Childhood Associate Degree, technical certificates, or Bachelor's Degrees in early childhood education. Additionally, the Mentoring for Early Care and Education Project (M.E.C.E.) aims to cultivate a network of qualified professionals across Idaho's seven regions. Through the IdahoSTARS initiative, early care and education practitioners and directors can receive financial aid for mentoring services across several categories, including the Idaho Quality Child Care Apprenticeship program, Individual Projects, Accreditation support, Environment Assessments, and Child Care Health Consultants. M.E.C.E. is currently welcoming applications from mentors interested in collaborating with providers, as well as from providers seeking mentorship or coaching. To qualify for mentoring services, participants must be enrolled in the IdahoSTARS Professional Development system. The IdahoSTARS Quality Child Care Rating System, piloted in 2008, aims to ensure a fair and equitable assessment process, ultimately leading to a STAR rating of 1-5 stars for child care programs. This rating system helps parents assess quality based on recognized national standards in early care and education. A significant aspect of the Quality Rating System is the STRENGTHENING FAMILIES training, which empowers child care providers to engage parents in program planning and connect them with community resources. The Idaho STATE TRAINING AND REGISTRY SYSTEM (IdahoSTARS) oversees the eligibility of Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) providers for subsidy payments, Parent Child Care Referrals, Child Care Resource & Referral across all seven regions of Idaho, and the Professional Development System for child care professionals. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

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